Terps to use two field-goal kickers

Jeff BarkerThe Baltimore Sun

Every point for Maryland this season is as valuable as a precious metal. The offense, weakened by injuries and led by a new freshman quarterback, is clearly a work in progress. It just doesn’t score that often and can’t afford to waste red-zone opportunities.

That’s why everyone will understand the decision revealed Sunday to use a new field-goal kicker – freshman Brendan Magistro – for the shorter attempts.

Maryland has lost two close games in a row -- and Brad Craddock has missed kicks of shorter than 40 yards in both of them.

Craddock has been good on the deeper attempts. The chatty Australian – one of my favorite guys to interview – is 4-for-6 from deeper than 40, including a 52-yarder.

But Craddock, strangely, is just 2-for-4 between 20 and 29 yards, and 2-for-4 between 30 and 39 yards. He’s missed two extra points.

Craddock was wide left from 35 yards away in Saturday’s 20-17 loss at Boston College.